Methodist minister reflects on eight years in Newquay as she prepares to move on

A Methodist minister who helped oversee the creation of one of Newquay's newest community spaces is preparing to leave the town after almost eight years.

Reverend Clare Anderson will shortly take up a new role with the Methodist Church in the West Midlands as part of the denomination's itinerant ministry, where ministers are appointed to serve different communities for a number of years before moving on.

During her time in Newquay, she played a key role in the development of The Oasis on Pargolla Road – a purpose-built worship and community space which opened in 2025.

Originally from the North East, Clare moved to Cornwall 18 years ago to be closer to family. Before entering ministry she worked in a variety of roles, including as a publican, professional fundraiser, classic car upholsterer and charity shop manager.

Speaking to Radio Newquay, she said becoming a Methodist minister had been "definitely the best job I have ever had".

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Reflecting on her move, Clare explained that Methodist ministers are expected to relocate as part of their calling.

"Methodist ministry is itinerant, which means that we are stationed in a certain place for five years or some variation of years, and then we move on," she said.

"It's part of our calling, so I'm on to pastures new."

Looking back on her time in Newquay, Clare said it was the people she would remember most.

"I'll take away a huge amount of wisdom from people I've engaged with, from older people who feel they haven't got much to offer, from the people who come to church and think they don't know enough about the Bible to engage with God, and from all the people in Newquay who support their community for whatever reason," she said.

"I'll also take away lessons about how to support people well."

She described The Oasis as the fulfilment of a vision that had existed long before she arrived in the town.

"This building is the culmination of a vision that the Methodists in Newquay started years before I arrived," she said.

"They were clear that what they wanted was not just a place of worship, but somewhere they could serve their community, where people could come and feel welcomed and accepted.

"There is a worshipping community based here, but it's more than that. It's about being active for the betterment of our community and to serve our community."

Clare also paid tribute to the people and organisations she had worked alongside during her ministry.

"I think I'll miss a lot of the characters that I've engaged with and the individuals who I've had the honour of accompanying on some of their life's journey," she said.

"I served as chaplain to the police station for a while and have complete respect for our police officers, the town councillors who give so much of their time, and all the organisations that offer different things.

"Newquay is really quite special."

Before entering ministry, Clare said she did not come to faith until she was 30 years old. She later trained at theological college before becoming a Methodist minister.

As she prepares to leave Cornwall, she encouraged people who may have questions about Christianity not to dismiss church altogether.

"I really want to say to people, whether they believe in God or not, to stop and think and open your mind to different types of churches," she said.

"There are places where you can feel completely welcome as you are.

"If you're intrigued by that, then have a conversation with somebody in a church."

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